Procedure Care Instructions

Procedure Care Instructions

Before The Procedure

If you are on the anticoagulant blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin), Pradaxa or Xarelto, it should be stopped from one to seven days prior to the procedure (depending on the medication), please inform us for specific instructions. Blood test might be required the day of procedure.

If you are scheduled for cervical epidural injection, aspirin, Plavix and/or Aggrenox, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofinac, celebrex) MUST be stopped seven days prior to the procedure.

If you are scheduled for Lumbar epidural injection or cervical dorsal median branch block, Plavix, and/or Aggrenox MUST be stopped seven days prior to the procedure.

If you are scheduled for spinal cord stimulator or intrathecal pump trial or implant, aspirin, Plavix and/or Aggrenox, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofinac, celebrex) MUST be stopped seven days prior to the procedure.

If you are scheduled for a dorsal median branch block you should NOT take your pain medications six hours prior to the injection.

You must have a driver with you on the day any procedure.

Females: if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, please inform us.

After The Procedure

You may experience soreness, bruising, and even an increase in pain during the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. You may try the following to relieve some of the discomfort:

Ice the area for 20-30 minutes. Make sure not to apply the ice directly over the skin.

Take Tylenol, Advil, Motrin or Aleve for the pain if you are not allergic to them.

You may take your routine prescribed medications.

Apply heat after the first 24 hours.

Avoid overuse of the area for two days.

May resume work the following day if you have no complication and feel well

Emergency Care
Call our office or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following:

Fever over 101

Persistent sever pain

Headache

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Nausea or vomiting

Shortness of breath

Severe headache

Weakness

Numbness

Redness and inflammation at the injection site

Your Appointment

A staff member will call to confirm the day before your appointment. Every attempt should be made to keep your appointment. If you must cancel or reschedule an appointment, please let the office know at least 24 hours in advance. A “no show” for any procedure may result into $50 charge.